An umbrella includes an anti-inversion mechanism that is configured to apply to each rib assembly a force that counters an inversion force that is applied to the umbrella. The anti-inversion mechanism includes a flexible elongated structure that is disposed exteriorly along the second rib part and has a first bent end that is attached to the second rib part by passing through an opening formed in the second rib part and being anchored within a hollow interior of the second rib part. The mechanism further includes a flexible wire having a first end attached to the flexible elongated structure of the anti-inversion mechanism and a second end attached to a rib tip that is located at a free distal end of the rib assembly.

The present invention relates to a portable shelter assembly. The assembly includes a support; and an expandable shelter for being supported by the support and expanding to shelter at least one person. The shelter includes ribs extending from the support. Each rib includes one or more proximal elements pivotally mounted to the support. Each rib further includes a distal element extending from the proximal elements and configured to move outwardly to expand the shelter when the proximal elements pivot in a first direction. Advantageously, the distal elements may be simply pulled down one at a time to lift the connected proximal elements and extend the ribs, which is advantageous in windy conditions, or pulled down together to lift the proximal elements and extend the ribs.

The present invention relates to a portable shelter assembly. The assembly includes a support; and an expandable shelter for being supported by the support and expanding to shelter at least one person. The shelter includes ribs extending from the support. Each rib includes one or more proximal elements pivotally mounted to the support. Each rib further includes a distal element extending from the proximal elements and configured to move outwardly to expand the shelter when the proximal elements pivot in a first direction. Advantageously, the distal elements may be simply pulled down one at a time to lift the connected proximal elements and extend the ribs, which is advantageous in windy conditions, or pulled down together to lift the proximal elements and extend the ribs.

A foldable articulated arm including at least a first rod and a second rod connected together, each of which is configured for connection to the stem of a parasol, at least a third rod, connected to the second rod, and a fourth rod connected to the third rod; a first flexible element which connects the first rod with the third rod and a second flexible element which connects the fourth rod with the second rod; the first, second, third and fourth rods and the first and second flexible elements are a single piece; in particular, the second flexible element includes a first portion slidably constrained to the second rod and a second portion slidably constrained to the third rod.

A foldable articulated arm including at least a first rod and a second rod connected together, each of which is configured for connection to the stem of a parasol, at least a third rod, connected to the second rod, and a fourth rod connected to the third rod; a first flexible element which connects the first rod with the third rod and a second flexible element which connects the fourth rod with the second rod; the first, second, third and fourth rods and the first and second flexible elements are a single piece; in particular, the second flexible element includes a first portion slidably constrained to the second rod and a second portion slidably constrained to the third rod.

The present invention relates to an expandable shelter, the shelter includes an upright support and ribs for supporting a canopy. Stretchers are provided for stretching the ribs from the upright support. A runner is provided for moving downwards along the upright support so that the stretchers stretch the ribs from the upright support to expand the shelter. Advantageously, a shelter assembly whereby the runner moves downward to stretch the ribs may provide a compact collapsed shelter with more expansive sheltering when compared with other shelters where the runner instead moves upwards for expansion.

The disclosure is directed at an umbrella including a canopy having a set of canopy portions; and a frame portion comprising a shaft portion; a sliding collar assembly coupled to the shaft portion and sliding along the shaft portion; and a set of ribs, each of the independent ribs attached to one of the set of canopy portions and to the sliding collar assembly, where each of the set of ribs move independently of each other when a high wind force is experienced by one of the canopy portions.

The disclosure is directed at an umbrella including a canopy having a set of canopy portions; and a frame portion comprising a shaft portion; a sliding collar assembly coupled to the shaft portion and sliding along the shaft portion; and a set of ribs, each of the independent ribs attached to one of the set of canopy portions and to the sliding collar assembly, where each of the set of ribs move independently of each other when a high wind force is experienced by one of the canopy portions.

An umbrella includes a canopy configured to switch between an open position and a closed position, and a mast coupled to the canopy and having an upper portion with an upper tubular housing, and a track carried on an outer surface of the upper tubular housing and extending longitudinally. The track includes interweaved recesses and ridges. The mast also includes a lower portion slidingly receiving the upper portion and having a lower tubular housing, and a locking device carried on an outer surface of the lower tubular housing and extending through the lower tubular housing to interface with the track of the upper portion to lock the lower portion and the upper portion together.

An umbrella includes a canopy configured to switch between an open position and a closed position, and a mast coupled to the canopy and having an upper portion with an upper tubular housing, and a track carried on an outer surface of the upper tubular housing and extending longitudinally. The track includes interweaved recesses and ridges. The mast also includes a lower portion slidingly receiving the upper portion and having a lower tubular housing, and a locking device carried on an outer surface of the lower tubular housing and extending through the lower tubular housing to interface with the track of the upper portion to lock the lower portion and the upper portion together.